Learning Disability (LD) Service
Our Team
The Learning Disability service (LD-CAMHS) is a specialist service within CAMHS based in The Phoenix Centre. Our team consists of Clinical Psychologists, Nurse Practitioners, Assistant Psychologists, and Psychiatrists
Who do we see?
LD-CAMHS is a service for children and young people aged between 0-18 years who have a diagnosis of a moderate, severe or profound Learning Disability (also referred to as an Intellectual Disability). LD-CAMHS is part of CAMHS and share the same referral criteria and can access other services within CAMHS where required. For example, Children and young people identified as having a mild learning disability may be seen by LD CAMHS or another part of CAMHS depending on their individual profile of needs.
What do we do?
We provide specialist and significantly adapted assessment and therapeutic interventions for these children and young people who are experiencing significant mental health problems and/or complex behaviour problems. However, we do not routinely accept referrals to assess capacity or to confirm a diagnosis of a Learning Disability.
How can we help?
We will talk to you about your concerns and decide together what support is best for you and your family. We will explain what our service can offer and agree on a plan. If we are the best service to help you, we will work with you and any other agencies involved with your child. This may include:
Completing a comprehensive assessment to develop a shared formulation (or understanding) of your child’s difficulties.
Individual sessions with a child/young person and/or their family.
Providing consultation to other professionals and agencies supporting you and your child.
Consultation from the LD-CAMHS Multi-Disciplinary Team to gain input from psychology, psychiatry and nursing.
Group sessions on Positive Behaviour Support (PBS).
Signposting to other services and agencies.
Getting help with your child’s health in hospital
A hospital passport can tell healthcare staff about your child's learning disability. It can include information about how they like to communicate and how to make things easier for them when they are in hospital.
You can carry your child's hospital passport (as a paper or digital copy) and show it to any healthcare staff who are looking after your child.